The arrival of the new variant makes several countries of the world fear that, little by little, they saw themselves return to sanitary restrictions, drastic for some. Closing of borders, the obligation to be vaccinated, lengthening of sanitary measures, several countries of the world are shielding themselves to face the Omicron variant, which is expanding on the planet in an unprecedented way.
The Lower House of the German Parliament (Bundestag) approved this Friday, December 10, the mandatory vaccination for health and elderly personnel, who will have until March 2022 to present the certificate. The new legislation will also allow the 16 federal states of Germany to close bars and ban large events if the contagion rate increases significantly.
“It is absolutely unacceptable that in the establishments where people live, who place their trust in us to protect them, people die unnecessarily because the unvaccinated work there,” said Health Minister Karl Lauterbach, who defended before the Lower House Bundestag restrictions on the unvaccinated and compulsory vaccinations for medical and nursing staff.
The project also ships a proposal to facilitate access to vaccination. Pharmacies, dentists and even veterinarians (who meet preliminary requirements) will be authorized to administer the vaccine, for a limited time, in order to accelerate the vaccination campaign.
Despite entering its fourth wave of infections, the country so far has a relatively low vaccination rate compared to the rest of Europe. About 69% of the population has a complete vaccination scheme, and only 21% have their booster dose, according to official figures.
A poll by broadcaster ZDF revealed that more than three-quarters of Germans were in favor of imposing severe restrictions on the unvaccinated, while 21% did not think it was an appropriate way.
This bill, promoted by the parties of the government coalition of Olaf Scholz (Social Democrats, Greens and Liberals) had a large majority of votes in favor, 571 against 80 and 38 abstentions. It must be reviewed and ratified by the Upper House this Friday, and is part of a broader project of mandatory vaccination for the entire population, announced by the new Government and expected for the month of February 2022.
UK emphasizes reinforcement and mask use without announcing plan C
“As of today, you must wear your face covered in most enclosed venues, including stadiums and concerts, unless you are exempt.” It could be read from this Friday on the Twitter account of the United Kingdom Health Security Agency (UKHSA).
A measure that comes parallel to the announcement on the same day, and by the same agency, that the booster doses could have a proven efficiency against the Omicron variant of 70%, if not more.
“These early estimates should be treated with caution, but they indicate that a few months after the second vaccine there is an increased risk of contracting the Omicron variant compared to the Delta strain,” said Dr Mary Ramsay, Head of Immunization at UKHSA, adding that “The data suggests that this risk is significantly reduced after a booster shot, so I urge everyone to take their booster when eligible.”
Since the announcement of his “plan B” this Wednesday, where he asked people to telecommute, wear masks abroad and have their health pass (NHS Covid Pass) up to date by December 15, Boris Johnson does not seem to have follow-up on your ideas. His spokesman, Jack Doyle, said this Friday and while Scotland warned that Ómicron could become the dominant variant in the region in a matter of days.
“There is significant growth of Omicron here in this country and we are seeing the first signs of escape from the vaccine,” Doyle emphasized, adding that scientists needed more time to study the variant. “Obviously, we have to keep the characteristics of this variant under review and we would act if necessary, but there are no plans,” ended up admitting Jack Doyle.
New York will impose masks for all the unvaccinated
New York, meanwhile, changes its strategy. This Friday, the governor of the American state, Kathy Hochul, announced that, as of next Monday, December 13 and until at least January 15, those who are not vaccinated will be forced to cover their faces inside all shops or stores. Each violation of the rule may be fined with a maximum of one thousand dollars.
That decision was made to curb the spread of the virus during the holidays, when more time is spent inside stores or having meetings. “We should not have reached the point where we are facing a winter surge, especially with the vaccine at our disposal,” the governor said in a statement to the press.
On his Twitter page, he announced to share “the frustration of New Yorkers that we have not overcome this pandemic, but the winter surge is here and we must act. From Monday until January 15, companies will have the option of applying the requirement of the vaccine or mask. “
I share New Yorkers’ frustration that we are not past this pandemic, but the winter surge is here & we must take action.
Starting Monday through January 15, businesses will have the option to implement either a vaccine or mask requirement. one/
– Kathy Hochul (@GovKathyHochul) December 10, 2021
Although 80% of the population of New York is fully vaccinated, the state has seen an increase in the spread of the virus in recent weeks that has killed more than 46,000 residents, according to official data. Since Thanksgiving, the weekly case rate has skyrocketed 43%, while hospitalizations have increased 29%.
For her part, the head of the state Department of Health, Mary Bassett, noted that the spread of the virus in the private sphere “requires a community-minded solution as the omicron variant emerges and the overwhelmingly dominant delta variant continues to circulate.”
Basset concluded by recalling that everyone has “the tools we need to protect ourselves against the virus, and now we must make sure we use them. Getting vaccinated protects you and wearing a mask is the way we will best protect each other. Both vaccination and the use of masks are needed to curb this winter increase in Covid-19. “
Israel and Spain lengthen their restrictions
Once again, the Israeli government decided this Friday to extend the closure of its borders to foreigners. The measure that was initially in force until this coming Monday will be extended for ten more days. At least until December 22, as prevention against the Omicron variant.
In addition, according to local media, the quarantine obligation of at least three days will be maintained for all Israelis who return to the country. The Government in turn will continue to reflect on the imposition of new restrictions in the coming days. Among them, specific restrictions against unvaccinated residents, such as the restriction to travel abroad, as well as a specific confinement for them.
Since the beginning of the pandemic, Israel is one of the countries that issued the most restrictive measures to contain the coronavirus the earliest. It kept its borders closed from March until the beginning of November 2020, to close it again in early 2021. Exception made for residents abroad and for a period of one month only.
From another perspective, Spain also extended its sanitary rules this Friday. It will extend until December 26 the quarantine obligation for all passengers from an African country considered high risk by the Omicron variant (Botswana, Eswatini, Lesotho, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa and Zimbabwe), according to a report from the Official State Gazette.
“On the other hand, the epidemiological situation and proximity to the initially affected countries makes it convenient to include the Republic of Malawi and the Republic of Zambia among high-risk countries,” the report adds.
Likewise, resident transit passengers or holders of long-term visas for the states associated with Schengen, Andorra, Monaco, the Vatican or San Marino, as well as aeronautical personnel, are excluded. Passengers must respect a minimum ten-day quarantine.
With EFE and Reuters
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